Methods and apparatus for smart distribution of restaurant items and notification of order readiness

ABSTRACT

A Smartserv platform system and methods are provided. When a restaurant item order is placed via a smart device app interface, the order is transmitted to computer server which notifies a preparer. The order is also transmitted to a Smartserv platform, which generates a user identifiable area, such as a color-coded area of a Smartserv platform surface within which an ordered restaurant item will be distributed, thereby enabling simpler and more organized restaurant item ordering and distribution. The computer server may also notify the customer that the customer&#39;s order is ready for pickup at the area designated by the appropriately colored lights. This improves known customer-notification methods.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/828,165, filed Mar. 24, 2020, and entitled Methods andApparatus for Smart Distribution of Restaurant Items and Notification ofOrder Readiness, which application claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/975,993, filed Feb. 13, 2020, andentitled Methods and Apparatus for Smart Distribution of RestaurantItems, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/938,504,filed Nov. 21, 2019, and entitled Methods and Apparatus for SmartDistribution of Restaurant Items. The contents of each of theseapplications is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for providing anautomated distribution platform for delivery of items ordered to bepicked up or delivered at or to a certain place after preparation of theitems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a Smartservsystem for placing an order for restaurant items via interaction with asmart device and distributing the ordered items via a color-coded areadesignated on a Smartserv tray. Once placed on Smartserv tray, anotification is automatically generated and sent to an end user, foodrunner, or other stakeholder via a smart phone application and/orcolored lights on the Smartserv tray.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Presently, placing an order and receiving food and restaurant items at acrowded retail food and drink establishment (sometimes referred toherein as a “restaurant”) may be a frustrating experience for patronsand a logistical challenge for establishment personnel.

In addition to the difficulties associated with ordering a restaurantitem (especially at crowded establishments that involve physicalinteraction, such as pushing and bodily displacement to reach a servicearea, such as a bar), distributing an ordered item may be difficult dueto a volume of items prepared for consumption in the establishment as awhole. Prepared items may be confused or delivered to a wrong patron. Insome establishments, patron names are regularly misspelled on prepareditems and items are prepared according to erroneous instructions.Moreover, innovative solutions suitable for a restaurant setting may belimited due to the aesthetic considerations involved.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, the present invention provides apparatus and methods forefficient ordering of restaurant items and distribution of therestaurant items as preparation of those items is completed. Thedistribution is made in an efficient and aesthetically pleasing manner

A user, which may be a patron, a server, or other person or automation,places an order for a restaurant item via interaction with a smartdevice application. The restaurant item order progresses through acomputer server to notify a preparer of the restaurant item order. Thecomputer server also designates one or more portions of a Smartservplatform as a delivery location for the restaurant items to bedistributed to the patron. The Smartserv platform may illuminate in acolor associated with the order, such as red, in a first pattern (e.g.,blinking lights). Once the preparer has completed preparation of therestaurant item order, the preparer places the restaurant item order onthe portion of the Smartserv platform allocated to the restaurant itemorder, which causes the illuminate to change to a second pattern (e.g.,a constant red).

The order-fulfillment and color-assignment functions may progressthrough a smart device application. This smart device application may bemodular and easily appendable to other, existing smart deviceapplication for existing restaurant applications.

For example, a user may place an order for two martinis using a smartdevice application. After paying for these martinis through theapplication, the user may receive a payment confirmation and be informedthat their drinks will be on the cells of the Smartserv platform coloredblue. At around the same time, LED circuits on two cells may illuminatewith blinking blue lights. Once the order is fulfilled, the drinks maybe placed on the two blue cells of the Smartserv platform. Motionsensors (or other change-in-condition sensors) may detect that the orderhas been fulfilled. This may cause the blue LEDs to change patterns(e.g., from blinking to steady state), send an order-readiness signal tothe user's smart device, and in some embodiments, cause a secondarynotification light on the side of the Smartserv platform to illuminate.

In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methodsof the invention will be given. The description of both preferred andalternative examples though thorough are exemplary only, and it isunderstood that to those skilled in the art that variations,modifications and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to beunderstood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspectsof the underlying invention as defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, that are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of thedisclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a Smartserv platformwithout illumination.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a Smartserv platform withsome portions illuminated to show the correct portion of a Smartservplatform for distribution of ordered restaurant items.

FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary method steps associated with using aSmartserv platform.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary component diagram illustrating a blockdiagram of an exemplary Smartserv platform system.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a smart device applicationto be used in conjunction with the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a controller that may be used to implement aspects ofthe present disclosure including executable software.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of method stepsassociated with using a Smartserv platform.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method for deployingcells associated with a Smartserv platform.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a secondary notificationlight, divided into segments to correspond with various orders.

FIG. 10 illustrates a modular embodiment of the Smartserv platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides generally for methods and apparatus forautomated ordering and distribution of restaurant items using aSmartserv platform. A Smartserv platform includes a surface withdesignated areas for placement of prepared restaurant items that areassociated with an order received via an automated process initiated bya smart device.

According to the present disclosure, a restaurant item order may beplaced via interaction with a smart device application. The smart deviceis placed in logical communication with a communications network andsends the restaurant item order via the communications network to aSmartserv server. The server may communicate the restaurant item orderto a restaurant item preparer and correlate a designated area of aSmartserv platform with the order. In some embodiments, the designatedarea of a Smartserv platform is virtually appended to the restaurantitem order.

Although this specification is presented in view of the ordering,preparation, and delivery of restaurant items, it will be readilyunderstood to one of ordinary skill in the art that the essentialprinciples of this disclosure may apply in equal measure to otherdelivery situations. For example, the ordering, notification, anddisplay features of this invention could be useful in fields such asoff-site restaurant delivery, package delivery, ordering from a shopsuch as a grocery store or bookstore, and the like.

Some embodiments additionally include providing an indicator of thedesignated area of the Smartserv platform that allows a user to identifywhich area of the Smartserv platform contains the user's restaurantorder items. An indicator of the designated area may include, by way ofnon-limiting example, illuminating the designated area of the Smartservplatform according to the color-coding associated with the restaurantitem order.

Fully prepared restaurant items included in the order may be placed inthe corresponding area of the Smartserv platform and the user mayreceive an alert via the smart device app indicating that the restaurantitem order is ready for the user to pick up. A visual notification onthe Smartserv platform may assist with notification andeasy-identification aspects of this invention.

Referring now to FIG.1, an exemplary embodiment of a 3×3 Smartservplatform 100 is shown. Smartserv platform 100 may generally have anyplanar orientation and any appropriate size. Smartserv platform 100 asshown in FIG. 1 includes a roughly flat surface 101 and a thin casing110 underneath surface 101 in which to store electrical components, suchas LED lights, infrared transmitters, and the like. Surface 101 maycomprise several distinct portions (in this embodiment, the portions areshown as squares). In some embodiments, Surface 101 may be made of aninsulating material. Surface 101 may also be temperature-controlledthrough circuitry located within casing 110. Sensors 120 within eachcell may be operative to detect a change in condition of the cell, suchas a restaurant item being placed on the cell. Sensors 120 may include,without limitation, a motion sensor, weight sensor, infraredtransmitter, thermocouple, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 2, Smartserv platform 100 is shown in operationfrom a top-down view. When a restaurant item order is placed, portionsof Smartserv platform 100 may provide a visual response. This visualresponse may be organized in some fashion. For example, if therestaurant item order comprises two restaurant items, then two adjacentcircles (or other defined shape or pattern) may illuminate in a samecolor or pattern, as demonstrated at 210.

In some embodiments, a Smartserv platform may further include one ormore alphanumeric characters, which may work to assign each restaurantitem in a restaurant item order to an individual patron or a particulara table. For example, a user may place an order via a smart device appthat is associated with a particular table at a food and/or drinkestablishment. The order associated with the table may include tworestaurant items, each restaurant item may be represented by a samecolor/pattern, which may be indicated, for example via a perimeter of anarea of the Smartserv platform, or an area of Smartserv platform beingilluminated by a specified light color. A queue number may also beindicated.

In various embodiments, illumination may be via lighting, such aslight-emitting diode (LED) arrays beneath a transparent or translucentsurface material. In such embodiments, illumination of patterns of theLEDs will illuminate portions of the Smartserv platform surface. Bordersof sections (such as areas) of the Smartserv platform surface may beilluminated via LEDs or conventional lighting mechanisms. Projections ofcolored light may be cast onto a defined area of the Smartserv platformsurface. And other methods of illuminating a particular area of theSmartserv platform surface may also be desirable. When food items areready and have been placed in the designated cell(s), a smart devicenotification may prompt a waiter, food runner, or customer to proceed tothe appropriately illuminated cell. In some embodiments, the color of acell relates to a status of the order (e.g., a green cell indicates thatfood is ready; a red cell may indicate that food is not ready).

In some embodiments, the LED color may be chosen at random, based on thecolor range of the LEDs and the number of other active orders. (Forexample, if one order has been assigned the color red, and no otherorders are outstanding, then the color of the next order is preferably agreen or a blue, instead of a fuchsia.) Other embodiments include asequential order of LED colors to avoid concurrent use of similarcolors. Moreover, as a result of the LEDs or other lighting meansilluminating the cell, the temperature of the cell may reach atemperature appropriate for serving of the restaurant item (e.g., a coldcell for a drink and a hot cell for warm food).

In some embodiments of the present invention, a Smartserv platformsurface may be divided into set portions or cells, wherein each setportion includes a set area onto which restaurant items may be placed infulfillment of an order. If an order requires more area than a setportion provides, then multiple set portions may be allocated to thefulfillment of a single order. In other embodiments, an area included ina portion of the Smartserv platform surface designated to fulfillment ofan order may be adjusted according to a number of items ordered and asize of each item.

In some embodiments, an area required to fulfill may be determined by acontroller executing software. For example, each item may have apreferred fulfillment area associated with it, and the controller mayadd up the preferred fulfillment area associated with each order item.The controller may then transmit to a Smartserv platform a fulfillmentarea required for placement of the ordered restaurant items includedwith a particular order and illuminate (e.g., by color coding or otherdesignation) the area of the Smartserv platform that contains the user'sordered restaurant items. In this way the controller may dynamicallydefine areas of the area of the Smartserv platform based upon whichitems are ordered and the preferred fulfillment area for those ordereditems.

In another aspect, in addition to or in the place of color-codeddesignated areas of Smartserv platform 100, restaurant items may beassigned different numbers to denote which restaurant item is includedin which order. If multiple orders are pending simultaneously, thenother panels on Smartserv platform 100 (e.g., panel 211) may illuminatein a different color/pattern of light than the color/pattern shown inthe first set of panels (210).

This color-assignment process may proceed according to an algorithm. Thealgorithm may be dependent upon the size of the Smartserv platform 100.For example, the color-assignment algorithm may be different for a 3×3platform than for a 2×3 platform. One embodiment of the color-assignmentalgorithm may seek to maximize the distance between respective orders,which may be particularly useful where one order occupies multiplecells. Another embodiment of the color-assignment algorithm may seek tocentralize all of the orders (especially in a larger embodiment ofSmartserv platform, such as the one shown in FIG. 10), while alsoproviding sufficient space between each order. Where it may not bepossible to ensure a desirable amount of distance between two sets oforders (e.g., if every unoccupied cell has an occupied cell adjacent toit), other characteristics of the orders may be used to assign cells.For example, orders may be grouped according to temperature—if a neworder of hot food cannot be sufficiently isolated from all other orders,then it may be desirable to group it closer to other hot food orders onSmartserv platform 100. Moreover, if an order is unfulfilled, cells thatwere previously designated for that order may be rearranged toaccommodate this ordering. In this way, order placement may be optimizedaccording to the identity of the order.

In another aspect, one or more secondary notification lights 220 may bepositioned on the side of Smartserv platform 100 to provide at-a-glancenotifications from a distance to a user who is not in visual contactwith a perpendicular plane of the Smartserv platform 100 (i.e., as mightbe necessary to see the lights on panel 210). Secondary notificationlight 220 may illuminate in one or more colors corresponding with colorsilluminated on panels 210 and 211. By way of non-limiting example:suppose User 1 inputs an order into a smart device application (or otherordering means, including talking to a server) and receives anotification that the order will be placed on a blue cell. At thispoint, secondary notification light 220 may remain dark. When the orderis complete and placed on the appropriate cell, that cell willilluminate with a blue border. This may also cause secondarynotification light 220 to illuminate in a blue color, to further enhancethe notification features of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the secondary notification light 220 is operable toaccommodate multiple order colors. For example, suppose that at the sametime User 1 input his order, User 2 input a second order and received anotification that her order, once fulfilled, would be on a green cell.Once both orders are put on Smartserv platform 100, secondarynotification light 220 can, in some embodiments, have a mechanism toalert both users that their disparate orders are fulfilled. In oneembodiment, secondary notification light 220 may alternate between greenand blue (and any other order colors) at a predetermined frequency. Thisfrequency may modulate based on how long the order has been placed onthe tray. For example, if one or more of the orders have been sitting onSmartserv platform 100 for an excessive amount of time, secondarynotification light 220 may blink more rapidly (or may spend more time onone color before transitioning to another).

In an alternative embodiment, secondary notification light 220 may besubdivided into multiple sections that can illuminate based on thenumber of colors corresponding to active orders. This embodiment maywork better on a Smartserv platform 100 with a significant thickness toallow resolution of the various colors from a distance. An example ofthis is shown in FIG. 9. Segmented secondary notification light 900 isshown with segments 901-904. Each segment 901-904 may be operative toilluminate alone or in conjunction with another respective segment basedon orders received by a server in logical connection with Smartservplatform 100 (and, by extension, segmented secondary notification light900).

For example, if one order is queued and has been assigned the color red,then any or all of segments 901-904 may illuminate red once the order isfulfilled and placed on Smartserv platform 100. If two orders arequeued, with one assigned the color red and the other the color blue,then a different combination of colors may illuminate on segments901-904. As a non-limiting example, segment 901 may illuminate red,while segment 902 may illuminate blue (and segments 903-904 may remaindark). Alternative, segments 901-902 may illuminate red and segments903-904 may illuminate blue. In still another non-limiting example,segments 901 and 904 may illuminate red and segments 902 and 903 mayilluminate blue.

If three orders are queued, then in exemplary embodiments, one segmentwill remain unilluminated, unless there is a reason to emphasize oneparticular order over another. For example, it might be that segment 901is illuminated red, segment 902 is illuminated blue, segment 903 isilluminated green, and segment 904 is dark. However, if one order isprioritized over another based on a priority criterion, then segment 904may also illuminate in that color. In this way, for example, segments901 and 904 may both illuminate red, while segment 902 is illuminatedblue and segment 903 is illuminated green. A priority criterion mayinclude any reason to enhance the notification of one order at theexpense of the others, including without limitation: a size of an order,a cost of an order, or a distance between the segmented secondary light900 and the person picking up the order from Smartserv platform 100.

The LED circuits in segments 901-904 may also be in logical connectionwith a randomizer, gate, or other circuitry enabling the lights tochange color, blink at certain frequencies, or engage in other visuallyappealing effects. For example, if a red order and a blue order arefulfilled and placed on the tray at the same time, then segments 901-902may illuminate red initially, with segments 903-904 being illuminatedblue. The segments may alternate illuminations to create visuallyappealing effects, such as a “rotating” color wheel.

Referring back to FIG. 2, additional embodiments may include blankspaces 201 on a Smartserv platform 100 to indicate spaces in whichrestaurant items should not be placed. In some embodiments, when therestaurant items are removed from their respective areas (as measuredby, for example, weight sensors, motion sensors, breaks in an infraredbeam, charged coupled devices, optical sensor circuits and the likeassociated with a particular portion of the area of the Smartservplatform), an indicator may cease, such as, for example, ceasingillumination of an area.

Referring now to FIG. 3, exemplary method steps associated with someembodiments of the invention including a Smartserv platform are shown.At method step 301, a restaurant item order is received into a server.The order may be placed, for example via interaction with a userinterface on a smart device. The user interface may be made functionalvia execution of an app installed onto the smart device. The server maybe an MQTT server or any other appropriate protocol and may include oneor more intermediate servers, such as a queue server. The restaurantitem order may comprise one or more restaurant items, includingstandardized restaurant items or custom-made restaurant items. Therestaurant items may be alcoholic or non-alcoholic. The restaurant itemorder may be transmitted to the server by a waiter at a traditionalcomputer interface, a waiter using a tablet, or a customer using a smartdevice. In exemplary embodiments, the restaurant item order may also beassociated with a table number. Geofencing may be used to ensure thatthe customer ordering restaurant items through a smart device is withina certain spatial domain (e.g., the restaurant) by reference to a GPS,Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other location-finding tool found on the smartdevice.

At method step 302, areas are highlighted on a Smartserv platform. Asdiscussed above, a Smartserv platform may include a surface that issubdivided physically or virtually into discrete area, in which one ormore of the areas may be readily identifiable by a user that isretrieving restaurant items that have been prepared and ready fordistribution. One mechanism for readily identifying an area associatedwith a particular order may include color coded illumination.

Illumination mechanisms, such as LED lights, may be placed in logicalconnection with a controller, and the controller may control one or moreof: a color, a pattern, a pulse or other aspects of the lights.Additionally, the entirety of the surface, or any subdivision of thesurface, may be made of insulating material or may betemperature-controlled. This may be desirable when storing restaurantitems that are best if maintained in a heated or cooled state. The areasare highlighted based on the restaurant item order. For example, in anexemplary embodiment, the Smartserv platform may comprise seven columnsand six rows of rectangular areas. Each column may correspond to oneorder. If a first order is transmitted to the server having tworestaurant items, then two areas in the first column may illuminate.These areas may have a same color or different colors. The areas mayalso display colors in various patterns. In some embodiments, the colorindication is performed by LED RBG matrices, such as a standard WS2812Bstrip.

If a second order is transmitted before the first order has beencompleted, then another column may illuminate accordingly. The colorsmay be the same as or different than the colors corresponding to thefirst order. In some embodiments, in addition to the colors, numbers mayilluminate that correspond with an order number or a particular patronassociated with one restaurant item in a multi-restaurant item order. Insome embodiments, the restaurant item order is a first-in, first-outqueue.

At method step 303, restaurant items are placed on appropriate areas ofa Smartserv platform 100. In exemplary embodiments, a server thatreceives the restaurant item order will transmit both the restaurantitem order and cell information to a preparer (or other staff)fulfilling the order. For example, if a two-restaurant item order istransmitted to the preparer, each restaurant item of the order may berepresented by an ordered pair, triplet, or other data combination. Inset notation, a restaurant item order may look like: {(hamburger anddraft beer; Cell 2,4; Blue); (Margarita; Cell 3,4; Blue)} to indicatethat the first restaurant item order includes a hamburger and a draftbeer and should be placed on the blue-illuminated cell located in row 2,column 4; while the second restaurant order item is a margarita thatshould be placed on the blue-illuminated cell located in row 3, column4. In an alternative embodiment, the restaurant item order may looklike: {(hamburger and draft beer, Cell 2,4; Blue; 2), (Margarita, Cell3,4; Green; 2)}. Here, the areas are illuminated in different colors,but both areas also contain the number 2. This may simplify therestaurant item distribution process when a waiter, food runner, orother user removes the restaurant items. Other variations may bedeployed and based upon, for example a description and type ofrestaurant order items to be distributed via an area of the Smartservplatform.

At method step 304, when an order has been fulfilled, a signal may betransmitted to the server to indicate that the order is ready fordistribution. This order may then be transmitted from the server to auser, such as: a patron, a waiter, or another stakeholder. Then Atmethod step 305, once the ordered restaurant items have been retrievedfrom the Smartserv platform, the corresponding Smartserv platform areahighlights may be deactivated and made available for distribution ofitems included in a subsequent order. In exemplary embodiments,transponders, such as, for example a sensor translating a pressure intoa digital value (e.g., digital weight-detecting sensors) or motionsensors beneath the areas may transmit to a controller a digital valuequantifying a presence or absence of an item on at particular area of adigital value quantifying a presence of removal of a restaurant item hasbeen removed.

FIG. 4 demonstrates an exemplary process diagram describing the abovemethod. The architecture displayed in FIG. 4 is meant to be anon-limiting example of one architecture suitable to deploy the abovemethod. As shown in FIG. 4, various stakeholders can have access todifferent levels of information at different times. For example, a smartdevice associated with the customer may be able to view the orderedrestaurant item, its location in a fulfillment queue, and the restaurantitem's location in the bar. The customer's smart device may also receivea notification about the readiness of the restaurant item and allow forpayment process. Because of the simplicity of this method, the presentinvention is easily adaptable to existing restaurant APIs.

A computer associated with the preparer may be able to accept an order,sort multiple restaurant item orders, and receive information aboutother, similar orders to allow for better sorting. This information mayalso be transmitted to bar managers or system administrators. Further,bar managers and system administrators may be able to create and editrestaurant item menus; learn macroscopic and microscopic details aboutrestaurant items being ordered. Additionally, if the method of FIG. 3 isimplemented using a smart device to allow customers to order and pay forrestaurant items, then preparers or bar managers may be able to refundmoney paid for an order.

An advantage of this invention is that, in some embodiments, it iseasily adaptable to existing restaurant APIs. A standard restaurant APImay connect a customer with a pay system. Once the customer has made apayment (and concurrent order), the restaurant API may receive a paymentcallback to initiate order processing. A typical embodiment will see apayment confirmation sent to the customer. In some embodiments of thepresent invention, as part of the order processing step in thetraditional restaurant API, a color-processing step may be added. Thismay allow a designated color to be sent to the customer. Thiscolor-coding information may also be sent to a queue server, which mayor may not be separate from the restaurant API or router. The queueserver may send the user a notification upon receipt of confirmationthat the order is ready. The queue server may also send the command toilluminate the appropriate cells of a Smartserv platform and, in someembodiments, secondary indicator light. In exemplary embodiments, thismay be controlled by a low-power server, such as an MQTT server.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary user interface is illustrated. Theuser interface may be generated on a smart device screen and include aselection of restaurant items that may be order by a user, such as, byway of non-limiting example, a patron or a server. In some embodiments,a selection of restaurant items may be based upon a menu provided by aparticular establishment. For example, a GPS location determination madeby a smart device may conclude that a patron is in Restaurant X and theapp may display restaurant items offered on a menu of Restaurant X. Theuser may generate an order including one or more restaurant itemsdisplayed via interaction with the app-generated interface. The user mayselect one or more items that may be filtered according tocharacteristics such as price, caloric/alcoholic content, etc. The usermay indicate the number of items desired, and in some embodiments, anurgency or a pickup time.

The smart device may transmit the order to a server, such as, forexample via wireless communication, such as cellular communication orWi-Fi communication. The server will notify a preparer of the order. Theserver may also designate an area of a Smartserv platform onto whichprepared items may be placed when ready for distribution. When the itemsordered have been properly prepared by the preparer, the items areplaced on the designated area of a Smartserv platform. The server willalso transmit a logical communication to the user's smart deviceindicating that the items ordered are ready to be retrieved from thedesignated area of a Smartserv platform. The user may make their way tothe Smartserv platform. The server may also provide to the smart devicean identification mechanism with which the user may identify the areafrom which the user may retrieve the ordered items.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an automated controller is illustrated that maybe used to implement various aspects of the present invention, invarious embodiments, and for various aspects of the present invention,controller 600 may be included in one or more of: a wireless tablet orhandheld device, a server, a rack mounted processor unit. The controllermay be included in one or more of the apparatus described above, such asa Server, and a Network Access Device. The controller 600 includes aprocessor unit 620, such as one or more semiconductor-based processors,coupled to a communication device 610 configured to communicate via acommunication network (not shown in FIG. 6). The communication device610 may be used to communicate, for example, with one or more onlinedevices, such as a smart phone, smart tablet, personal computer, laptop,or other handheld or user worn device.

The processor 620 is also in communication with a storage device 630.The storage device 630 may comprise any appropriate information storagedevice, including combinations of magnetic storage devices (e.g.,magnetic tape and hard disk drives), optical storage devices, and/orsemiconductor memory devices such as Random-Access Memory (RAM) devicesand Read Only Memory (ROM) devices.

The storage device 630 can store a software program 640 with executablelogic for controlling the processor 620. The processor 620 performsinstructions of the software program 640, and thereby operates inaccordance with the present invention. The processor 620 may also causethe communication device 610 to transmit information, including, in someinstances, control commands to operate apparatus to implement theprocesses described above. The storage device 630 can additionally storerelated data in a database 650 and database 660, as needed.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary method for distributing restaurantitems using an illuminated Smartserv platform is illustrated. At methodstep 701, a restaurant item input is received into a server from aninput actor. In some embodiments, the input actor could be a user, waitstaff, food runner, or other entity motivated to transmit an order for arestaurant item. The restaurant item may be a drink (alcoholic orotherwise), food, restaurant accessories (e.g., condiments orgarnishes), or item that a restaurant customer may wish to procure fromrestaurant staff. The restaurant item input may be input to and/orreceived in a smart device, server, or other communications apparatus.In some embodiments, the input actor may provide the restaurant iteminput through an application integrated into the restaurant'spoint-of-sale system. In some embodiments, the application may includecustomization options for the restaurant item (e.g., desired spirittype, desired condiments, substitutions). In some embodiments, thecustomer simply places the order for restaurant items at a barassociated with the restaurant.

At method step 702, the restaurant item input and associated orderinformation is transmitted to a preparation area. The preparation areamay be a bar, back kitchen, or the like. In exemplary embodiments, theassociated order information may be a color or other identifier assignedto the order associated with the restaurant item input. For example, anorder may include a drink (e.g., margarita), a customization option(e.g., sugar rim and extra tequila), and an assigned color (e.g., blue).In embodiments in which the customer orally places the order at the bar,the bartender or other personnel may orally convey the assigned color tothe customer at this juncture.

The assigned color may correspond to a colored square on the Smartservplatform on which the ordered restaurant item may ultimately be placed.Accordingly, At method step 703, a position may be deserved on theSmartserv platform for the restaurant item. As described elsewhere, theSmartserv platform is a smart tray divisible into one or more cells. Thecells may be bordered by indicators, such as LED lights, to identify aspecific cell and correlate that cell with an order. In someembodiments, the cells may be of equal sizes, while in otherembodiments, one or more cells may be dynamically sized according to theitem placed on the cell. In some exemplary embodiments, LED lights mayform a perimeter of a cell, while in other embodiments, LED lights maypermeate the cell to allow the entire cell to be illuminated with achosen color. In exemplary embodiments, the LED lights on a chosen cellare illuminated according to the color assigned At method step 702.

The indicators on a cell may provide information about the occupancystatus of the cell. For example, a cell may have a default color toindicate that it is unoccupied. In exemplary embodiments, an unoccupiedand unreserved cell may simply have no illumination, though it may haveother indicators to illustrate the borders of the cell. In someembodiments, the indicators may turn a set color after an order has beenremoved from its cell to indicate a recent departure from the cell.

Additionally, the Smartserv platform may have other indicator lights.For example, the embodiments shown elsewhere herein contemplateilluminated cell borders in which the illumination color is visiblewhile looking down at the top plane of the Smartserv platform fromabove. However, in some embodiments, the Smartserv platform may havelateral lights to provide notification information at a distance. Forexample, if a cell is illuminated in blue on the Smartserv platform toindicate that the order associated with user (or order) “blue” is ready,then a light on the side of the Smartserv platform may also glow blue.Moreover, if a second cell on the Smartserv platform is illuminated inred to indicate that the order associated with user (or order) “red” isready, then the light on the side of the Smartserv platform mayalternate between blue and red lights. In this manner, a user at adistance can quickly determine whether the user's order is ready.

Moreover, characteristics of the indicator light may vary based on aquality of the restaurant item placed on top of it. For example, thesize of the light display may vary based on the item type (e.g., a platemay need a larger color ring than a drink). Similarly, the color may bebased on a condition of the cell (e.g., particularly in embodiments inwhich a cell has thermal properties, the color may be warmer to indicatea warm restaurant item or colder to indicate a cold restaurant item).Changing patterns in the lights may also be used as an indicator (e.g.,flashing lights).

At method step 704, based on detection of a restaurant item on theappropriate cell of the Smartserv platform, notification is transmittedto the appropriate recipient. For example, in some embodiments, anotification is transmitted to the customer who placed the order. Thecustomer may then proceed to the Smartserv platform and collect therestaurant item located on the customer' s assigned color on theSmartserv platform. In other embodiments, the appropriate recipient maybe a waiter or other food runner.

Detection of the restaurant item on the appropriate cell of theSmartserv platform may be made by a variety of means, such as any of:breaking of an infrared light beam passing through the cell (analogouslyto a motion detector), weight detection on the cell, or detection ofphotons on the cell (or a lack thereof). Multiple detection means may beuseful for quality control (e.g., it may require both the breaking of aninfrared beam and a weight detection to properly register the presenceor absence of a plate or a drink).

The notification may be transmitted to the recipient's smart device orother communications apparatus associated with the recipient. Thenotification may include an assigned color, cell identificationinformation, or information about the ordered restaurant item. Forexample, the notification may be transmitted to the ordering-customer'ssmart phone application and inform the customer that the customer's“margarita with extra tequila and a sugar rim is ready on the bluesquare located on Smartserv platform 3, row 4, column 2.” This may alsocause a lateral light on Smartserv platform 3 to begin blinking in ablue color. In simpler embodiments, the notification may simply causethe customer's smart phone to display that the customer's restaurantitem is ready for pickup on the cell corresponding to the assignedcolor.

Notification may be achieved through various means. In exemplaryembodiments, notification may be transmitted to the customer (or otherappropriate recipient, such as a waiter) through an applicationassociated with the restaurant. Notification software may integratedirectly with the API of the restaurant's application. In otherembodiments, a stand-alone application may be provided to the end user.The application may be capable of transmitting the order for restaurantitems and receiving the relevant order-pickup information (e.g., colorsquare of Smartserv platform at which fulfilled order is located). Insome embodiments (especially embodiments in which a customer orallytells a bartender the customer's order, and in return, receives acolor), the application may simply be capable of receiving anotification that the order is ready and reminding the customer of theappropriate color.

In some embodiments, multiple notifications may be generated. Forexample, a notification may be sent to a customer (and the notificationmay include a receipt), while another notification goes to a server. Theserver may then bring the restaurant item to the customer.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a method of cell deployment using a Smartservplatform is shown. At method step 801, a cell having an LED light stripand a semi-transparent surface may have an infrared beam initiating froma sending unit beneath the surface and terminating at a receiving unitabove the Smartserv platform. In some embodiments, the LED light stripmay be illuminated to a default color indicating availability (e.g.,green), or it may be simply remain unilluminated until step 802.

At method step 802, based on receipt in the restaurant item preparationarea (e.g., bar, back kitchen) of an order, assign a cell of theSmartserv platform to receive the restaurant item. In exemplaryembodiments, this assignment will include at least a cell identification(e.g., a platform number, a row number, and a column number; or, if thecells are sub-divisible, then in some embodiments, a visual notificationidentifying a region of the Smartserv platform may be appropriate) andan assigned color (e.g., blue). In some embodiments, the assigned cellwill be illuminated in a temporary color (e.g., yellow) to indicate thatthe cell is reserved.

At method step 803, the restaurant item is prepared for placement on theappropriate cell.

At method step 804, based on a breaking in the infrared beam (or othersimilar detection means, such as a weight sensed on the cell), thereserved cell is illuminated in the assigned color (in this example,blue). In some embodiments, the illumination may take the form of apattern (e g , blinking lights) or be sized differently based on thesize of the item placed on the cell. In some embodiments, secondarynotification lighting on the Smartserv platform may illuminate to informcustomers at a glance of item availability.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a larger Smartserv platform 1000 is shown. Asshown, Smartserv platform 1000 is adaptable to larger needs, based onthe restaurant. In some embodiments, larger Smartserv platform 1000 maybe comprised of one or more smaller sets of Smartserv platforms 1010(shown here as one exemplary 3×2 smaller Smartserv platform 1010). Thesesmaller sets may be 1×1 panels, or larger sets of preassembledplatforms. Some of these platforms may have connecting panel 1001.Connecting panel 1001 may be a standard panel (like those shown in FIG.2), and it may have additional connectivity elements to allow one set ofpanels to connect to another. For example, connecting panel 1001 mayhave Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, or other connectivity means. Connectingpanel 1001 may also have an adhesive means on the side to allow it tobind (temporarily or fixedly) to another individual Smartserv platform1010.

In this modularity embodiment, each individual Smartserv platform (i.e.,set of panels) may be operable as Smartserv platform 100 on its own.Accordingly, some or all individual Smartserv platforms 1010 may haveits own controller, connectivity means, etc., to allow it to fullyintegrate with an API and network infrastructure of the type shown inFIG. 4.

CONCLUSION

A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described.While this specification contains many specific implementation details,there should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anydisclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure.While embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein by wayof example using several illustrative drawings, those skilled in the artwill recognize the present disclosure is not limited to the embodimentsor drawings described. It should be understood the drawings and thedetailed description thereto are not intended to limit the presentdisclosure to the form disclosed, but to the contrary, the presentdisclosure is to cover all modification, equivalents and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of embodiments of the presentdisclosure as defined by the appended claims.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and arenot meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or theclaims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in apermissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather thanthe mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words“include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limitedto. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used,where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-endedexpressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. Forexample, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at leastone of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B,or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. Assuch, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can beused interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted the terms“comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the contextof separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in asingle embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described inthe context of a single embodiment can also be implemented incombination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitablesub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while method steps may be depicted in the drawings in aparticular order, this should not be understood as requiring that suchoperations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequentialorder, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achievedesirable results.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the contextof separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in asingle embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described inthe context of a single embodiment can also be implemented incombination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitablesub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodimentsdescribed above should not be understood as requiring such separation inall embodiments, and it should be understood that the described programcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singlesoftware product or packaged into multiple software products.

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described.Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In somecases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a differentorder and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processesdepicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require theparticular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirableresults. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallelprocessing may be advantageous. Nevertheless, it will be understood thatvarious modifications may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the claimed disclosure.

In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may beadvantageous. Nevertheless, it will be understood that variousmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe claimed disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A Smartserv platform comprising: a planar surfacedivided into at least one cell; a network access device in logicalconnection with a communications network; a controller in logicalconnection with the network access device; and a first LED circuitfixedly attached to each cell, wherein the first LED circuit comprisesone or more LEDs, is in logical connection with the communicationsnetwork, and is configured to illuminate in a first illumination patternand in a first illumination color based upon a transmission via thecommunications network indicating a received restaurant item order,wherein the restaurant item order comprises a restaurant item and one orboth of the first illumination pattern and the first illumination color.2. The Smartserv platform apparatus of claim 1, wherein each cellfurther comprises a sensor operative to detect the placement of therestaurant item on the cell and to transmit a detection confirmation tothe controller upon detection of the placement of the restaurant item onthe cell, and to detect the removal of the restaurant item from the celland to transmit a removal confirmation to the controller upon detectionof the removal of the restaurant item from the cell.
 3. The Smartservplatform of claim 2, wherein the sensor comprises a motion detector. 4.The Smartserv platform of claim 2, wherein the sensor comprises a weightsensor.
 5. The Smartserv platform of claim 2, wherein the sensorcomprises an infrared emitter.
 6. The Smartserv platform of claim 2,wherein the LED circuit is operative to deactivate the illuminationbased upon a measurement by the sensor that the restaurant item has beenremoved from the cell.
 7. The Smartserv platform of claim 2, wherein thecontroller is configured to transmit a notification to a smart device ofan end user via the communications network upon detection of therestaurant item on the cell.
 8. The Smartserv platform of claim 2,further comprising a second LED circuit fixedly attached to a side ofthe planar surface and in logical connection with the controller,wherein the second LED circuit is operative to illuminate in the firstillumination color upon receipt by the controller of the detectionconfirmation.
 9. The Smartserv platform of claim 8, wherein the secondLED circuit is operative to illuminate in a second illumination colorupon receipt by the controller of a detection confirmation from a sensorassociated with a different cell than the cell associated with the firstillumination color, and wherein the second LED circuit is operative toalternate between illuminating in the first and the second illuminationcolor.
 10. The Smartserv platform of claim 6, wherein based on receiptof a second restaurant item order while the first restaurant item orderis unfulfilled, the controller is operative to designate a second LEDcircuit and associate cell to illuminate in a second illumination color.11. The Smartserv platform of claim 10, wherein the designation of thesecond LED circuit is based upon maximizing a distance between the firstLED circuit and the second LED circuit.
 12. The Smartserv platform ofclaim 2, further comprising an alphanumeric character visible on theplanar surface.
 13. A method for visually stimulating restaurant itemdistribution, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a restaurantitem order into a server, wherein the order comprises one or morerestaurant items to be distributed; appending to the restaurant itemorder a color-coding command; transmitting an order signal to acontroller in logical connection with a Smartserv platform apparatus,wherein the order signal comprises information for highlighting one ormore designated cells on the Smartserv platform apparatus according tothe color-coding command and the number of restaurant items in therestaurant item order; and based upon receipt of a readiness signal fromthe Smartserv platform indicating that the restaurant item has beenplaced on the designated cell of the Smartserv platform, transmitting anotification to a smart device associated with a waiter or a patron. 14.The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: verifying, basedon geofencing, that the restaurant item order was transmitted by adevice proximate to a restaurant item fulfillment station.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the color-coding command comprises aspecified color associated with a user order.
 16. The method of claim14, wherein the color-coding command comprises a color pattern to bedisplayed on the cell.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein thecolor-coding command further comprises a queue number.
 18. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the readiness signal is generated from a motiondetector.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the readiness signal isgenerated from a weight sensor.
 20. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising the step of: transmitting an illumination signal to asecondary notification light associated with the Smartserv platform.